The UK's love for ketchup is undeniable, with the tangy red sauce being a staple in many households for everything from chip dipping to bacon sandwich slathering. However, the question of where to store an opened bottle has long been a contentious issue. Some firmly advocate for cupboard storage, while others insist it belongs in the fridge for longevity. There are also those who prefer their ketchup at room temperature rather than chilled, reports the Express.
Now, a consumer champion site, Which?, seems to have put the debate to rest with a new social media video. In the clip, a Which? expert clarifies: "You can keep it [in the fridge] if you want. After all, it even says 'refrigerate once opened' on the bottle. But tomatoes are naturally acidic, and the sauce contains vinegar, which helps preserve it in ambient conditions. So it's up to you, really.".
The expert does add a note of caution, stating: "If it takes you a while to get through a bottle, you might get a longer shelf life from it if you keep it in the fridge". This advice is reiterated in the Instagram post's caption, which reads: "The debate over where to store your ketchup is one that constantly simmers across social media: fridge or cupboard? ".
"The @whichuk answer? Cupboard. There's no need to keep ketchup in the fridge – unless you prefer the taste of it chilled. Not only does it contain vinegar, but tomatoes are naturally acidic, and this helps to preserve the product in ambient conditions.".
